he also took aim at romney's pledge to cut funds to pbs, home of big bird. that's less than $100 million a year, a fraction of the overall federal budget. >> thank goodness somebody is finally cracking down on big bird. who knew that he was responsible for all the deficits. elmo has to watch out! >> reporter: a past presidential nominee, al gore, who had his own debate struggles offered this unusual explanation for mr. obama's uninspired performance, blaming high altitude in denver. >> obama arrived in denver just a few hours before the debate started. romney did his debate prep in denver. when you go to 5,000 feet. >> exactly. >> and you only have a few hours to adjust, i don't know. >> reporter: after hearing those comments and being asked about them, mitt romney laughed al gore's answer off. after virginia, savannah, the president heads to ohio, and mitt romney to florida where he campaigns this weekend. the president ending up in california for a fund-raiser, including a concert with john bon jovi, katy perry, and stevie wonder. >> thanks. chuck todd, nb